President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, on Thursday evening, applauded his administration’s “Free Education Scheme for Degree Students,” stating that parents can now rest assured that the government would bear the financial burden of every child’s first-degree programmes. He spoke at the concluding ceremony of "Rahvehi Fathis" campaign held in Rasdhoo Island of Alifu Alifu Atoll.

Launched in February 2019, the scheme has since seen the enrolment of over 10,486 students in first-degree programmes from all across the country. While 7,173 students are currently pursuing their first degree programmes under the scheme, over 845 students commenced their courses this year alone.

Stressing over children’s higher education’s financial needs had been a prevailing concern of all parents in the past. Despite this, no parent has to spend their lives burdening themselves over it today, the President assured. President Solih said his administration considered parents’ concerns and struggles in crafting policies that guarantee equal educational opportunities for all students across the nation – opportunities vital for nurturing capable and educated individuals.

On another note, President Solih emphasised the administration’s plans of establishing an efficient, affordable, convenient and sustainable passenger and cargo ferry network across the nation. The large-scale “Integrated National Public Ferry Network” project would revolutionise interconnectivity between the atolls and islands and facilitate inclusive regional development, the President added. He revealed that connectivity services under the first phase of the project would commence in Boduthiladhunmathi (Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, Shaviyani and Noonu Atolls) later this year.